Abstract
TMJ X-ray findings have become very important in the diagnosis of TMJ patients. Although detailed information of the TMJ region has been provided by arthrotomogram, a convenient way of taking an image at the first consultation with a view to making an initial diagnosis is needed.
Consequently, the authors have been using the Anatomic X-ray Aliner (AXA). To examine the usefulness of the AXA, we took TMJ photographs of 120 subjects at inter cuspal position, rest position, and maximum opening position with the AXA and investigated their clinical symptoms such as mandibular movements and TMJ sounds. Then the usefulness of AXA for diagnosis of TMJ was analyzed.
Condyle displacement appeared in most of the subjects who had TMJ sounds. No special abnormalities were found in the subjects who had only muscle pains or opening disturbances.
TMJ disorders were found in 21 subjects by questionnaire, in 62 subjects by mandibular function analysis, and in 46 subjects by AXA analysis. More TMJ disorders were found by AXA analysis than by mandibular function analysis.
These results indicate that the X-ray findings with the AXA are very useful for diagnosis at the first consultation.
